NEW YORK-- November 15, 2004--In response to overwhelming viewer demand, SCI FI Channel has ordered new seasons of its highest-rated and most successful original series, Stargate Atlantis and Stargate SG-1, from MGM Television Entertainment. Production on both 20-episode seasons is set to begin in March 2005 for summer premieres on SCI FI.

Stargate Atlantis exploded onto the scene in July 2004, delivering over 4.2 million viewers and shattering every previous ratings record for a SCI FI series. Reprising their roles for season two will be Joe Flanigan, Torri Higginson, David Hewlett, Rainbow Sun Francks, Rachel Luttrell and Paul McGillion.

As Stargate SG-1 returns for an astounding ninth original season, it ties The X-Files as the longest-running sci-fi drama series on American television. MGM is currently in negotiations with the original cast for their return.

Robert C. Cooper and SG-1 co-creator Brad Wright will continue to serve as executive producers on both series, which are distributed by MGM Worldwide Television Distribution.

New episodes of SG-1 and Atlantis return in January 2005 along with the series premiere of Battlestar Galactica, making SCI FI Fridays the most powerful night of sci-fi on television.

About MGM Worldwide Television Distribution
MGM Worldwide Television Distribution handles global distribution of film and television product as well as co-productions for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. Through this distribution unit, approximately 4,000 feature films and 10,100 television episodes are available to the global television market. MGM's series lineup includes the hit "Stargate Atlantis," animated children's series "Stargate Infinity," post-apocalyptic drama "Jeremiah," action-adventure series "She Spies," and the long-running, critically acclaimed "Stargate SG-1." MGM Worldwide Television Distribution also produces such made-for-television movies and miniseries as the contemporary thriller "Carrie" and the groundbreaking drama "The L Word." The company also distributes NBC Enterprises-produced programming in all territories outside of North America, including "Las Vegas," "American Dreams" "Will & Grace," "Crossing Jordan," and "Providence." For more information, visit www.mgm.com.

SCI FI Channel is a television network where "what if" is what's on. SCI FI fuels the imagination of viewers with original series and events, blockbuster movies and classic science fiction and fantasy programming, as well as a dynamic Web site (www.scifi.com) and magazine. Launched in 1992, and currently in 84 million homes, SCI FI Channel is a network of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies.